SM Megamall Becomes Part of Metro Manila’s Transit Backbone with Busway Link

MANILA, Philippines, 28 August 2026 - Every day, over 170,000 commuters board the EDSA Bus Carousel to get to work, school, and everywhere in between – and this passenger count continues to climb. As more Filipinos turn to the EDSA busway as their daily mode of transportation, the infrastructure around its busiest stations is being pushed to keep pace, with one of the initiatives being a direct walkway linking the bus station to SM Megamall.

The SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse, which opened to the public on April 2026, is an elevated, weather-protected walkway that connects the EDSA Bus Carousel’s SM Megamall station to SM Megamall Building A, eliminating the need for commuters to traverse the lengthy stretch across EDSA. It houses escalators and elevators to ensure convenient access for all, including commuters with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women.

The concourse was developed by your most loved SM Supermalls in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), as part of joint efforts to improve the commuter experience. The link provides direct access to the bus platform that serves northbound trips to Monumento and southbound trips to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

This development reflects a broader shift in how Philippine malls are evolving in design – being positioned not only as shopping and leisure destinations, but also as functional nodes within the country’s urban mobility network. SM Megamall’s busway link builds on a similar model previously introduced at SM North EDSA, signaling a pattern that may be replicated across other SM Supermalls strategically located along major transit corridors.

Under the My SM campaign, the mall operator highlights its larger commitment to enhancing and reenvisioning how daily activities – like commuting – can be made more seamless, comfortable, and safe for every Filipino. For more information, visit @smmegamall or https://www.smsupermalls.com/. 

Also check the youtube video:

https://youtube.com/shorts/UdF2XBF_M2A?si=UYjyRAuWf-QtvTdu

Your EDSA Commute is Getting An Upgrade at My SM

MANILA, Philippines, August 2026 — For millions of Filipinos navigating EDSA, the daily commute could soon become safe, more seamless, and more convenient. As SM continues its transformation journey beyond its retail and shared spaces, its malls are also evolving to make getting to and from key transport hubs easier for commuters. 

In the coming months, mallgoers can look forward to improved connections through the SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse and Pedestrian Bridge and SM North EDSA MRT-7 link. The projects aim to shorten long walks to transportation hubs while giving commuters familiar, well-lit, and ventilated access and departure points.

The completion of the SM Megamall EDSA Busway link, which connects SM Megamall to the Ortigas station of the EDSA Bus Carousel, provides an accessible entrance and exit point for commuters. 

Prior to the completion of the elevated walkway, commuters had to pass through the congested MRT-3 footbridge to reach the EDSA Carousel. The new pedestrian bridge significantly shortens the long, inconvenient walk, allowing easier access and smoother commuter flow in the busy transportation hub.

The elevated walkway is fully covered, protecting commuters from rough weather conditions. The vast space has ramps and an elevator to ensure easy access for commuters, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women.

The SM Megamall Busway Link features an elevated enclosed pedestrian bridge and concourse spanning EDSA.

The SM Megamall EDSA Busway Link provides commuters with easier access to the bus carousel platform, which offers northbound trips to Monumento and southbound trips to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.

Meanwhile, the ongoing construction of the SM North EDSA–MRT 7 Link will provide commuters with seamless access to the Common Station linking MRT-3, LRT-1, the soon-to-be-operational MRT-7, and nearby establishments. Pedestrians can safely walk from hub to hub as the walkway will be fully covered to protect them from harsh weather conditions. 

These pedestrian walkways, done in coordination with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, are part of SM Supermalls’ broader initiative to create commuter-friendly facilities around their most-loved SM Supermalls. 

Under the MY SM Transportation e, the mall operator is reimagining the daily commute—not simply by improving access to transportation, but by creating safer, more comfortable, and more convenient journeys for everyone. By putting everyday commuter needs at the heart of these improvements, SM aims to make getting from one place to another a more seamless part of everyday life. 

Exclusive LRT-2 and MRT-3 Cashback Up to 30% with GCash Commute QR

As more commuters embrace digital payments in their daily routine, GCash is expanding its support for cashless public transportation with a cashback promo for all LRT-2 riders and eligible MRT-3 riders who use the GCash Commute QR for their train fares.

 

From July 20 to August 20, 2026, eligible commuters who pay via GCash Commute QR will receive a 20-30% cashback on their LRT-2 and MRT-3 fare. It will be credited directly to the user's GCash e-wallet based on the scheduled payout dates.

 

“Innovation is most meaningful when it removes everyday friction and makes essential services more accessible. With GCash Commute QR, we're making cashless commuting simpler.” said Ferdie Perez, VP and head of innovation at GCash.

 

Furthermore, the initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts of GCash to expand the use of digital payments across everyday services, including public transportation, supporting broader access to convenient and cashless commuting options for Filipinos.

 

"This cashback promo is a way to help invite more commuters to experience the ease of using digital fare payments and brings added value on their everyday journeys," he added.

 

Commuters with a fully verified and active GCash account can enjoy exclusive cashback offers when they pay for their fares using GCash Commute QR during the respective promo periods. LRT-2 commuters can receive 20% cashback on eligible rides. New GCash Commute QR users on MRT-3, on the other hand, can enjoy 30% cashback on their first three rides, while the promo runs until August 20, 2026.

 

GCash continues to work with transport partners to expand cashless payment options that support a more convenient and accessible commuting experience for Filipinos.

 

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.